Iran’s Calligraphic Innovation: Celebrating 25 Years of Moalla

Date: 13 September 2025 - 22:01

News ID: ۱۴۳۴۷۰

TEHRAN -- Tehran’s Aseman Cultural Complex hosted a landmark event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Moalla script, an innovative calligraphic style created by esteemed Iranian artist Hamid Ajami.
The occasion featured the opening of the exhibition “Illumination on Earth”, attracting leading figures in contemporary calligraphy and cultural scholarship.
Moalla, conceived in the mid-1990s, represents a distinctive fusion of traditional Persian calligraphy with deeply personal spiritual expression. Ajami’s script is celebrated not only for its visual elegance but also for its ability to embody the artist’s devotion and connection to the sacred. Over the course of the event, artists and academics revisited the evolution of Moalla, highlighting its unique contribution to the heritage of Islamic calligraphy.
Calligrapher and researcher Masoud Naseri reflected on the enduring relevance of Moalla, praising its balance between formal innovation and aesthetic grace. Naseri emphasized that the script is much more than an artistic experiment; it is a living dialogue between history, faith, and modernity.
Nayyer Tahouri, professor of Iranian art history, contextualized Moalla within the rich lineage of Persian calligraphy, drawing parallels with classical forms such as Nastaliq and Kufic. She noted Moalla’s particular suitability for sacred inscriptions and short devotional texts, underscoring its role as a contemporary bridge between visual form and spiritual meaning.
The event also featured a heartfelt speech from Ajami, who shared candid reflections on the script’s creation, revealing how personal hardship and spiritual inspiration shaped his work. Despite initial skepticism from parts of the traditional calligraphy community, Ajami’s perseverance has positioned Moalla as a significant and respected mode of artistic expression.
The “Illumination on Earth” exhibition provides a rare opportunity to explore Moalla’s intricate forms and conceptual depth. It stands as a testament to the vitality of Iranian calligraphy and its ongoing capacity to evolve and resonate in today’s cultural landscape.